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Without a home appraisal, homebuyers and mortgage lenders would have to guess what a house is worth. By looking at recent sales of similar homes, appraisers can calculate the market value of a home for sale; this tells buyers the purchase is worth the asking price, and lenders know the house is good collateral for the size of the mortgage. The higher the appraised value, the higher the possible sale price.

The Kitchen

Kitchens with modern, attractive appliances and quality floors and counters will increase a home's appraised value, according to Bankrate. Defective appliances, broken cupboards and a lack of counter space will lower the value, so replacing or fixing them can also lead to a better appraisal.

Bathrooms

Bathroom renovations also boost appraisals: according to "Forbes" magazine, bathrooms rank with kitchens as the most important room in the house, and the cost of remodeling will be reflected in an increase in value. Replacing towel racks, light fixtures or the sink are small steps that improve appraised value.

Repairs

Defects in a house such as broken windows or stairs or leaky pipes lower appraised value, according to Lendfast. Fixing such problems will result in a better appraisal; "Forbes" estimates that the increase in value is usually double the cost of the repair. Repairing or replacing an aging roof is particularly valuable.

Appearance

Improving a home's appearance can improve appraised value, Realty Times states. Painting the house, removing junk and cleaning thoroughly are all good steps toward a higher appraisal.

Health

Health threats such as the presence of mold, lead pipes or asbestos will greatly reduce the fair market value of a house, Bankrate states. Eliminating the problems will result in an increase in value.

Front Yard

Homes with a well-trimmed front yard and a lawn that gets mowed regularly will gain in appraised value, the Appraisal Institute states. Putting rakes, shovels and mowers away rather than leaving them out can also result in a better appraisal.

About the Author

A graduate of Oberlin College, Fraser Sherman began writing in 1981. Since then he's researched and written newspaper and magazine stories on city government, court cases, business, real estate and finance, the uses of new technologies and film history. Sherman has worked for more than a decade as a newspaper reporter, and his magazine articles have been published in "Newsweek," "Air & Space," "Backpacker" and "Boys' Life." Sherman is also the author of three film reference books, with a fourth currently under way.